Hiroshima City has taken a unique path in VR technology application—deeply integrating virtual reality with peace education to create a moving learning experience. The VR facilities here are not just entertainment, but educational tools that pass on historical memories in innovative ways.
Innovative Practices in Educational Technology
Hiroshima's VR experiences differ from the entertainment-oriented approach of typical game centers, applying virtual reality to historical education, disaster prevention training, and cultural preservation. Through immersive experiences, visitors can understand historical events from a first-person perspective—a sense of "witnessing" that traditional displays cannot achieve. Local educational institutions collaborate with technology companies to develop multiple VR content packages with deep educational significance.
Hiroshima Prefecture's VR education industry grew rapidly after 2024, with investment increasing by nearly 40% compared to the previous year, focusing on three main areas: historical recreation, disaster prevention training, and professional experiences. Among facility users, student groups account for over 60%, showing that educational demand is the main driver behind the local VR industry development.
Core Experience Facility Introductions
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum VR Theater
Located within the Peace Memorial Park in Nakashima Town, Hiroshima's Chuo Ward, postal code 730-0811, the VR experience here centers on historical recreation. After putting on the VR device, visitors can experience the transformation of Hiroshima's street scenes around August 6, 1945, feeling the process from ordinary citizens' daily lives to the disaster. Each experience lasts approximately 15 minutes, offering Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean language versions. Experience fee: ¥800, students: ¥400.
Hiroshima Prefectural Education Center Experience Hall
Located in the education facility at Kamida, Ujina, Hiroshima's Minami Ward, postal code 734-0015, the center has professional VR training rooms providing disaster prevention and professional experience programs. The earthquake simulation VR lets participants learn correct evacuation methods, while firefighting training VR simulates real fire scene response measures. Particularly popular is the medical emergency VR, which teaches the general public basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Open to school groups on weekdays, accepting individual reservations on weekends. Experience fee: ¥1,200. Hiroshima Institute of Technology VR Laboratory
Located on the campus at Miyake, Saeki Ward, Hiroshima City, postal code 731-5193, although an educational institution, it regularly holds public open days. It showcases the latest VR technology applications, including architectural design VR, mechanical operation simulation, and cultural heritage restoration projects. Visitors can VR "walk into" disappeared historical buildings or operate large industrial equipment. Open days are held on the third Saturday of each month, free admission. Kure City Maritime Museum Yamato馆 VR Experience Area
Located within the museum at Takara-cho, Kure City, postal code 737-0029, it provides VR restoration experience of the battleship Yamato. Visitors can "board" this legendary battleship, tour the bridge, gun turrets, and living quarters. This VR system is constructed based on detailed historical data, fully recreating even the crew's daily routines. Experience time is approximately 20 minutes, fee: ¥1,500, requires museum admission ticket ¥500. Hiroshima Prefectural Library Digital Experience Room
Located within the library at Motomachi, Hiroshima's Chuo Ward, postal code 730-0011, the library has a small VR experience area primarily providing immersive reading of literary works and interactive learning of historical events. Its specialty is recreating scenes from works by Hiroshima-born authors in VR, allowing readers to "walk into" the novel's world. Each experience lasts 30 minutes, free use, advance reservation required. Most VR facilities are concentrated in Hiroshima City, and the most convenient way is to take the Hiroshima Electric Railway from Hiroshima Station. To reach the Peace Memorial Park, take Line 2 to "Atomic Bomb Dome-mae" Station, about 15 minutes, fare ¥200. To reach the Maritime Museum in Kure City, it is recommended to take the JR Kure Line from Hiroshima Station, about 30 minutes, fare ¥510. Most facilities are open from 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays (or延後if it falls on a holiday). The Peace Memorial Museum's VR Theater has 8 sessions daily, advance reservation recommended. VR facilities at educational institutions usually require advance applications, and individual visitors can make reservations through the official website or by phone. Experience fees range from free to ¥1,500, with most facilities offering 50% discounts for students. Some facilities offer package discounts, such as the Peace Memorial Museum + VR experience combined ticket ¥1,000 (students ¥600). Hiroshima's VR experiences are relatively serious in content, so it is recommended to be mentally prepared. Historical recreation VR may contain disturbing images and is not suitable for young children. Most facilities have usage restrictions for children under 12, requiring adult accompaniment. It is recommended to learn about the relevant historical background before the experience to gain a deeper feeling. There are usually guides on site providing background explanations, which you should take advantage of. To ensure the best experience quality, it is recommended to avoid peak school visit times (Tuesday to Thursday mornings). Due to the educational nature of the content, these VR facilities are updated less frequently than entertainment facilities, but each visit provides a deep learning experience. For travelers who want to understand Japan's post-war reconstruction process and peace philosophy, Hiroshima's VR education experience provides a unique and valuable perspective.Transportation and Visit Information
Usage Suggestions and Precautions
